When to Renew a Green Card

When to Renew a Green Card

When is the right time to renew a green card?

A green card, formally known as a permanent resident card, is proof of your permanent resident status in the United States. It also serves as a valid identification document and proof that you are eligible to live and work in the United States. It is important to keep your card up-to-date. Without a valid card, it may be difficult for you to prove that you are a permanent resident, and this could also affect your ability to travel or to prove your eligibility to work in the United States.

CitizenPath recommends that our clients prepare Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, 6 months before the expiration date on their existing card. We recommend that clients mail the application to USCIS 6 months (but no less than 5 months) before the expiration date. Here’s why:

If You Renew a Green Card Too Late

Generally it takes about 4 months to process a green card renewal, but it can take longer. If a person’s green card expires, that individual could be without a valid proof of permanent resident status. The individual will not lose permanent resident status as a result of an expired green card, but the individual will not have proof required for important events such as:

If your current green card expires before you receive a renewal, you will:

Lose valid proof of your right to work in the United States. This could be a problem for employers.

Risk being refused into back to the United States if you travel abroad.

If You Renew a Green Card Too Early

USCIS has indicated that your application may be rejected and returned to you if you file the form more than 6 months prior the expiration date. This will cost you valuable time and money.

Therefore, your best course is to file Form I-90 in a 30-day window that is 5-6 months prior to the expiration date of your current green card. Need help? CitizenPath’s online process will help you complete your Form I-90 in about 15 minutes. Try it now.

Green Card Renewal Questions

No. USCIS does not offer any program to expedite or rush your application for a green card renewal. Further, no lawyer or immigration consultant can offer a way to rush your application. If you need your green card renewed as soon as possible, the best thing you can do is ensure your application is complete and accurate. CitizenPath will help you prepare your application in about 15 minutes, and we guarantee that USCIS will accept it. Give it a try.

Valid, unexpired proof of permanent resident status is required to re-enter the United States. A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer may deny you entry if you attempt to re-enter the U.S. with an expired green card. This could result in expensive legal bills. In the best case, you will be allowed to re-enter after paying an expensive re-entry fee and a long delay.

If you are outside of the United States when the card expires and you have not applied for the renewal card prior to your departure, you should contact the nearest U.S. Consulate, USCIS office, or U.S. port of entry before attempting to file Form I-90 for a renewal green card.

No. There is no penalty if your green card expires before you can renew it. Technically, you are required to carry a valid green card by law. However, most people will only experience the inconvenience of not having valid identification for accepting employment or traveling abroad.